Sun Safety Alliance

From Sun Safety Alliance Photos

Friday June 19th, the German parliament passed, by large majority, a law that bans those under eighteen from using "solariums", or what Americans know as "tanning beds". The reason: the younger they are the higher the risk. 14 million German users are between the ages of 18 and 45.

"If people under 35 regularly use solariums, the risk of getting at some point in life malignant melanoma, the third deadliest cancer that there is, rises by 75 percent," the ADP's Professor Eckhard Breitbart told reporters.

Germany will soon introduce the right to a skin cancer screening every two years for all people over the age of thirty five. German has also been running a highly effective campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers behind skin cancer, develop by Y&R Germany.




Just because American legislative does not act as quickly as Germany does to the fatalities that occur because of tanning beds, does not mean that the issue is not as severe. Tanning beds cause skin cancer, and skin cancer kills. If you want to avoid skin cancer, yet still want a gorgeous summer glow, try sunless tanning. MayoClinic.com provides readers with a great article on the facts behind sunless tanning:

"Sunless tanning products no longer cause an orange-brown, streaky appearance. Today the products offer an even, natural-looking tan if they're applied correctly and carefully. For best results, follow these tips:

• Choose a light- or medium-toned product, which tends to look more natural.
• Before using the product, wash and exfoliate your skin with a wash cloth or sponge to remove excess dead skin cells. Women should shave their legs for an even application.
• Apply the sunless tanning product evenly and lightly. Use less product on dry skin or thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows. These areas tend to absorb more product.
• After you apply the product to your face and body, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless tanner to the top of each hand.
• To prevent staining your clothes, wait to dress until the sunless tanner dries completely, about 15 to 20 minutes